WAQRAPUKARA FULL DAY HIKE
Waqrapukara Full Day Hike, Join us on an epic 1 day hike to the majestic pre-Inca construction of Waqrapukara, or Fortress of Horns, located in the mighty Apurímac canyon. This beautiful sacred place combines advanced architecture and impressive natural formations in a wonderful landscape—almost like something from a dream—surrounded by small crystalline lagoons. The gigantic horns rise as high as 4,140 m / 13,583 ft.
Duration
1 Day
Altitude Max.
4,300 msnm.
Group Size
1-15
Difficulty
Moderate
Itinerary
In the morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation at approximately 4:00 – 4:30 am. If your hotel or hostel is not located in the city center, we will pick you up from the doorway of our office building. We will begin the one and a half hour drive towards Cusipata where we will eat our semi buffet breakfast. We will continue bordering the shimmering Pomacanchi lagoon, one of the largest in the area. This beautiful lagoon is also flanked all over by pastures and plenty of local agricultural fields
After that, we’ll follow our route for one hour and a half along an unpaved road until the town of Santa Lucía, witnessing some amazing scenery all around and even looking at the lagoon in the distance
From the town, we’ll take a final 15-min drive to our hike’s starting point. There, you’ll have time to get your things together before we start. The hike to Waqra Pukara is one and half hour, observing the magnificent Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru, and the dramatic landscapes studded with cliffs along the way.
Once we arrive at the Waqra Pukara Overlook, we will pause briefly to take our first photos of this incredible fortress perched on the edge of a canyon. We will then descend for 10 minutes along a steep, cliffside path into the site itself, while the Apurimac River runs swiftly below.
We will explore the ruins for approximately an hour, climbing through the remains of the temple, taking photos against the incredible canyon scenery, and resting on clifftops in the shadows of the stone walls. Once the visit is complete, we will return along the same path to starting point, where our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious semi-buffet lunch. Finally, we will begin our journey back to Cusco, arriving at 6:00 p.m.
- Pick-up from your accommodation and drop-off near the main square.
- Round trip transportation between Cusco and Waqra Pukara.
- English/Spanish-speaking professional guide.
- Semi Buffet Breakfast in Cusipata.
- Semi Buffet at Lunch(vegetarian option available).
- First aid kid.
- Tips for your tour guide and driver.
- Dinner.
- Entrance fee to Wakra Pukara (20 soles per person).
Recommendation
- Small backpack to carry your personal belongings.
- Bring your passport.
- Shoes or sneakers.
- Comfortable clothes.
- Hat or cap.
- Sun block lotion.
- Sunglasses.
- Water.
Faq's
- Comfortable hiking shoes.
- Warm clothing (layers recommended).
- Rain jacket or poncho (especially during the rainy season).
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Water (at least 1.5 liters).
- Snacks or energy bars.
- Camera.
- Cash for entrance and personal expenses.
Yes, the tour operates daily, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October). During the rainy season (November to March), the trail may be muddy or slippery, so extra caution is advised.
Because the hike is at high altitude, it is recommended that you spend at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before doing the tour. If you are prone to altitude sickness, consult with a doctor and consider bringing altitude medication.
Due to the altitude and physical effort required for the hike, the tour is not recommended for young children, elderly people, or those with heart or respiratory conditions. However, active and healthy travelers over 10 years old with prior acclimatization can participate.
Restroom facilities are very limited on this route. You may find basic toilets at some points during the drive, but there are no restrooms along the trail or at the archaeological site, so plan accordingly.
Most of the route, especially during the hike, does not have cellphone coverage or internet access. We recommend notifying family or friends before departure and enjoying the disconnect during your adventure.
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